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TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 25

Have you ever imagined state-sponsored prostitution for “research purposes”? LSD-crazed soldiers being interrogated over psychic powers? A psychic superpower “arms-race”?

Julian Assange is probably going to be freed soon and many claim his suffering came as a result of pissing off the American Deep-State and its long arm: The Agency.

The CIA has been involved in numerous unbelievable operations and experiments, some of which have sparked significant controversy. Here's a thread with some of the most infamous ones:

Operation Midnight Climax (1950s-1960s):

As a part of MKUltra, the CIA set up safe houses in San Francisco and New York City where prostitutes, hired by the agency, would lure men to the locations. Once there, the men were secretly dosed with LSD, and their behavior was observed through one-way mirrors.

The goal was to study the effects of the drug on unwitting subjects and to find ways to use it for coercion and interrogation.

MKUltra (1953-1973):

MKUltra was a series of mind control experiments conducted by the CIA, aiming to develop techniques for interrogation and brainwashing. The experiments included administering LSD, electroshock therapy, hypnosis, and other forms of psychological manipulation, often without the subjects' consent.

Many of the participants suffered long-term psychological damage as a result of these experiments.

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TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 23

Venice: La Serenissima that never was

I had dreams of Venice lately; and dreams are messages from the deep.

That’s why I came to Venice to see the remnants of a State that even though it advertised itself as “serene”, it was all but it. A romantic thread by a Byzantine:

The Republic of Venice,traditionally known as La Serenissima, was a sovereign state and maritime republic with its capital in Venice. The whole main city was built on canals.

Over the course of its 1,100 years of history it established itself as one of the major European commercial and naval powers. It regularly came in conflict with other naval powers over conflict for maritime trade. One of them was Byzantium.

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TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 22

Miyamoto Musashi: A Warrior & Philosopher

Throughout the ages, there have been examples of legendary figures that honored their nation, their family, their legacy. Some of them excelled in battle; others excelled in tactics while some were distinguished for their strategies. But I cannot think many that excelled in all aspects; this is why the legend called Miyamoto Musashi is a Colossus.

In the annals of history, few figures loom as large as Miyamoto Musashi, a name synonymous with the epitome of the samurai spirit and martial prowess. Born in 1584, Musashi's life spanned a transformative period in Japan, as it shifted from the warring states of Sengoku Jidai to the more stable and culturally rich Edo period. While Japan was transforming, Miyamoto was also evolving into a legend.

A master swordsman, philosopher, and artist, Musashi's legacy is immortalized in his treatise "The Book of Five Rings," a work that transcends mere martial instruction to encompass a profound philosophy of life.

Follow me down this deep-dive thread as I take you back in time, in the midst of turbulent changes in Japan, to explore the life of a legend, as his personality evolved and his skills unfolded, on his way to immortality.

The Early Years: Birth of a Warrior

Not much is very clear about his early life but we do have some clues. Miyamoto Musashi was born in Harima Province (modern-day Hyogo Prefecture), the son of a samurai named Shinmen Munisai. Musashi gives his full name and title in The Book of Five Rings as Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu (新免武蔵守藤原玄信).

From an early age, he probably was scared by eczema, which affected his appearance; it developed in his infancy, and later legends were born out of it. One of them said that he never bathed himself because he did not want to be surprised unarmed.

Musashi started training very early; he was immersed in the world of martial arts, learning the rudiments of swordsmanship from his father. Obviously, apart from the eczema, he suffered from a serious case of BallsOfSteel-iasis because legend has it that Musashi fought his first duel at the tender age of 13, defeating a well-known samurai named Arima Kihei, showcasing his burgeoning talent and indomitable spirit.

So, let’s pause our story for a moment; do you remember yourself around 13? Because I think I was watching Pokémon or trying to imagine how girls smelled like (because no female being would come near me) or play ball with ma boys out in the street. But Miyamoto dueled with Katanas with grown-up dude – who happened to be a samurai – and destroyed him (literally, ended his career and life).

The Unbeaten Warrior: A Path of Combat

He left his village soon after to wonder throughout Japan and hone his skills; what a life it must have been! His early years were marked by a series of duels that would etch his name into the chronicles of martial history. His combat style, known as Niten Ichi-ryū (Two Heavens as One), was revolutionary, utilizing two swords simultaneously—a katana in one hand and a shorter wakizashi in the other. This dual-wielding technique gave him a significant advantage over opponents who were accustomed to traditional single-sword techniques.

The second duel happened when Musashi was 16 years old, when he won another victory against a swordsman named Tadashima Akiyama, a native of Tajima Province. His third duel came when he was aged 21, in Kyoto, where he defeated several students of a famous sword fighting school.

The two-handed movements of temple drummers may have inspired him, although it could be that the technique was forged through Musashi's combat experience.

This happens when you connect dots and see the Way in everything. Nevertheless, Jitte techniques were taught to him by his father—the jitte was often used in battle paired with a sword; the jitte would parry and neutralize the weapon of the enemy while the sword struck or the practitioner grappled with the enemy. Today Musashi's style of swordsmanship is known as Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū.

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TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 18

A Dystopian Present

Does the world around us make sense to you? Do words count? Is the “Truth”, true? Are the “Bad Guys”, bad indeed? And if they are not the bad guys, what does that make us? Who are we? Did Orwell write novels or a manual for today’s totalitarian regimes?

It’s been a while since the last time I wrote such a piece; but the global geopolitical conditions are compelling indeed and I cannot help but contemplate upon the dystopian present that will define our future, sooner than expected.

George Orwell’s work, particularly his novels "1984" and "Animal Farm," remains profoundly relevant in analyzing contemporary global events.

Orwell's exploration of themes such as totalitarianism, propaganda, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth provides a framework for understanding the political and social dynamics in today's world. Let’s dive deeper into his work, our present and maybe ask a few questions about our future.

Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism

Orwell's "1984" is a grim portrayal of a totalitarian regime where the government exerts absolute control over every aspect of life, from public actions to private thoughts. This dystopian vision is echoed in various modern authoritarian regimes that employ similar tactics to maintain power.

Orwellian characteristics impose extensive state surveillance, censorship, and the suppression of dissent. Does that ring any bells? To be surveilled by your own state “for your protection”? Are you really free to express your opinion?

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TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 17

Have you ever imagined accessing some of Humanity’s greatest minds? Tapping into millennia-old wisdom?

I did the work and concentrated some of the greatest quotes of Greek and Roman philosophers, with their sources. This thread contains thoughts that shaped Western philosophy.

Socrates

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Source: Plato's "Apology," 38a.

Plato

"The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself."

Source: Republic, Book IV, 4.430e-432a

Read 15 tweets

TheBlackWolf

@thewolvenhour

Jun 16

Father-Son Relationships That Shaped History

Throughout history, father-son relationships have had profound impact, shaping the political, cultural, and religious landscapes of their times. These bonds of blood and power not only influenced their contemporary world but also left legacies that resonate to this day.

Follow me down this honorary Father’s Day thread to discover some of the most impactful father-son relationships that changed our world forever.

Philip II and Alexander the Great
Philip II was a transformative king who built Macedonia into a dominant military power. His innovations in military tactics and organization laid the foundation for his son, Alexander the Great, to embark on an unprecedented campaign of conquest.

Alexander created the Hellenic Empire, one of the largest empires in ancient history, spreading Greek culture across three continents and setting the stage for the Hellenistic era.

Henry II of England and Richard the Lionheart
Henry II established the Plantagenet dynasty and expanded English territories significantly through both strategic marriages and military conquests.

His son, Richard the Lionheart, is famed for his role in the Third Crusade and his exceptional military leadership. Richard's exploits in the Holy Land cemented his place in legend, even as his time as king was largely spent away from England, fighting in the Crusades.

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